NeariNg the eNd(s) - Area III

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I firmly believe that the strength of our
organization, above all else, is its people.
I’ve said it countless times, and I’ll continue
saying it until I’m dead — handbell people
are “people people.” I think that the nature
of the instrument attracts folks who are
team-minded, and enjoy playing together
as a group. But after we’re done playing
together, are we playing together
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Sure, ringing is fun. But it’s hard work navigating tricky
passages, dissecting tough rhythms, finessing dynamics...often
at evening rehearsals which follow a full day’s work and stress.
So why not really play together As in, have fun with an
activity other than ringing (yes, they exist!). When we
are bonded together personally, it improves our sense of
ensemble. There’s no way around that: when we’re invested
in one another’s lives, we’re more clued in to one another,
which helps us ring together better. We’re “on the same page”
because we’ve learned what makes one another tick. And what
better way to do this than to get together and have fun!
“But we do that already,” you’re saying. “We have a Christmas
party every year — well, when we can fit it in — and we always
have an end-of-season potluck at Mabel’s house...”
Great. You’re responsible for hundreds of thousands of
Letters
by Michael J. Glasgow • michael@michaeljglasgow.com
notes together, and you meet once or twice a year to truly
have a time of fellowship, rapport-building and relationshipstrengthening.
A good start. How about the next step
“We can’t take the next step; getting a date that’s good for
everyone is way too hard!” is the common lament. But stay
with me: I’m doing that “thinking-outside-the-box” thing again.
I’m no stranger to a jam-packed schedule, nor are my ringers.
So I’ve given up on trying to plan an event that’s good for
everyone, knowing the odds are stacked against me in a
big way. Instead, I encourage the ringers to come up with
a semi-spontaneous activity and throw it out to the group.
Those who are interested and available will go. No RSVPs, no
reservations, no coordination...just go. (Notice, the invitations
don’t have to come from the director!)
For example: “I’m going ice skating at The Rink next Friday;
I’ll be there around 7:00; hope to see some of you there,” or
“After rehearsal next week, anybody up for appetizers at that
new wine bar I’m going; hope I’m not alone!”
Bell people tend to be social people. You’ll get some
“takers” for each event, some more than others. But more
opportunities that involve more people (even in small little
groups) will lead to better ringing: try it and watch what
happens. Trust me.
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